Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st February 2026
Billy Dog
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st February 2026
The Billy is a breed of very large and active scenthound from France. With a dwindling population at present, this dog was extensively used as a pack dog for hunting purposes. They have a broad and tall structure with a large head, almond-shaped eyes, wide, floppy ears, light-colored nose, broad chest, sturdy legs and a long, thick tail.
Billy Dog Pictures
Quick Description
| Also Known As | Chien de France-Comte (French) |
| Coat | Short, harsh |
| Colors | Pure to off-white with patches of orange and lemon |
| Type | Purebred |
| Group (of Breed) | Hound, Scenthound |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Weight | Males: 52 to 70 lb Females: 52 to 70 lb |
| Height (Size) | Large; Male: 24 to 28 inches Female: 23 to 24 inches |
| Litter Size | 3-8 puppies at a time |
| Personality Traits | Brave, loyal, intelligent, trainable, willful, social |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Good with Pets | Yes (if grows up with other dogs; not recommended for small pets) |
| Good for New/First-time Owners | No |
| Shedding | Average to less |
| Availability | Rare |
| Climatic Conditions | Cannot withstand cold temperatures |
| Hypoallergenic | Unknown |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information | FCI, UKC Breed Standards |
Other Similar Breeds
History & Development
The creation of the Billy Dog dates back to the 19th century in Central Western France by Monsieur Gaston Hublot de Rivault. They are a genetic combination of the presently extinct breeds – Montemboeuf, Ceris, and Larye. The fox blood was also mixed to keep the line fresh.
During this time, keeping large dogs by French monarchs was a fashionable thing, with Kings including Francois I and Louis XIV having scenthounds as their pets. The breed gets its name from the Chateau de Billy, which was the residence of de Rivault.
Just before the World War II, the entire pack of Billies had gone extinct, with only two individuals remaining. Later, de Rivault’s son Anthony added the Porcelaine, the Harrier, and the Poitevin strains to the bloodline to take a chance for the revival of the breed. The result was a success, and the dog survived, though it continued to remain rare like before.
In 1886, the breed standard of the Billy was first established. Interestingly, in the latter half of the 19th century, the Billy dog contributed to the foundation of another breed – the ‘Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange’ dog.
Temperament and Behavior
The Billy dog has an elegant, loyal and obedient disposition. It would adhere to the service of its master and his family. Though they have a gentle and kind nature, owners have reported them to act contentious with its pack mates, and even with other non-canines if they get a chance. At times, it might get distracted on spotting a scent, and controlling it becomes extremely difficult if unleashed then.
Billies share a good rapport with children as well as other pets in the family when raised together. They have a friendly demeanor, in general, and would quickly mingle with strangers and guests, a trait that makes them a poor guard dog. Their inborn nature of staying active all day makes it less suitable for leading a confined life in the apartment.
Care
Exercise
Since the Billy is a big and active breed, they require a minimum of 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise as a replication of their vigorous hunting and outdoor activities. Take them out for an extended walking session, on a leash. Since they do best when outdoors, it is advisable that you have an open yard of your own, where your dog can play around freely.
Grooming
The short coat of the Billy dog is very easy to groom. In fact, they practically do not require much care, except for a little brushing of the coat once or maybe twice a week, depending upon your dog’s hygiene requirements.
Health Problems
Though they are a robust hunting breed, they have a very nominal resistance to cold temperatures, including their coat type, which fails to protect them from the chilly winters. They might quickly catch issues like bronchitis if left in the severe cold weather for too long.
Training
- As a scent hound, they would keep following scents on and often, hence leash training since its puppy days is of utmost importance. Every time you put its leash, never forget to pat its back or give a long hug, or even a treat. Your dog loves you and would associate its accepting of the leash with winning your love and attention (and of course a treat).
- Teach it the primary come back, sit down, wait, or halt, one by one, right from its puppy days. When it is successful in picking up a command, use the same treat and treat trick. Use one command for each of its action, and use it in particular for specific situations, e.g., once you find it lost sniffing and following a trail, call it back using a command like ‘come back’ and use that particular command when it does the same thing, the next time. Otherwise, your dog might get confused and not respond to the commands promptly.
- If you think your Billy puppy will live in a pack, it is best if you let the members grow up together. This would ward off possibilities of regular brawls or development of any contentious instincts in future.
Diet/Feeding
It will need about 3 to 4 cups of dry dog food daily. Make sure, it is getting the appropriate nutrition, especially when it is growing up. You can also serve them raw meat, chicken, and semi-cooked fishes like herring or salmon.
Interesting Facts
- In France, presently there are a few Billy dog packs for hunting roe deer, and two packs are used to hunt wild boar.
- Billies were said to be the last dog to have descended from a large-size scent hound.
FAQ’s
